Smith was best known for popularizing digital technology in reggae, creating the very recognizable 80s hit "Under Mi Sleng Teng" with Noel Davey on a Casio keyboard. It would go on to become an influential single in Jamaica, and inspired a long line of reggae and dancehall artists to use the instrumental to create their own versions. Last year, Major Lazer produced a beat for "Fruit Juice", from Snoop Lion's reggae album Reincarnated, using "Under Mi Sleng Tang".

Smith helped kick off an era during which live instrumentation in reggae was replace by digital technology. He released a number of solo albums, and found success with singles like "Ain't No Me Without You". He also ran a record label called Sleng Teng.